What Is Dhikr? Remembering God

Dhikr (Arabic: ذكر) is pronounced THIK-r, with a soft “th” as in “this”.

Meaning

Dhikr means “remembrance” or “mention”. In Islam it refers to remembering God — in the heart, on the tongue and through one’s actions. The whole religion can be seen as a form of remembrance: the daily prayers, the Qur’an and even good manners keep a person aware of God. But the word is used especially for short phrases of praise repeated quietly.

The Qur’an links remembrance with inner peace:

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ ﴿٢٨﴾

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured."

How Muslims use it

Common phrases of dhikr include subhanallah (glory be to God), alhamdulillah (praise be to God), Allahu akbar (God is the Greatest) and la ilaha illallah (there is no god but God). Many Muslims repeat these after each daily prayer, in the morning and evening, while walking or driving, or before sleep. Some count them on their fingers or on a string of beads.

Dhikr needs no special place, no ritual and no one’s permission. It is one of the easiest ways for a new Muslim to feel close to God from the very first day.

Example

Waiting for the bus, she quietly repeats “alhamdulillah” and feels her worries settle.

For how faith can support wellbeing, read Mental Health and Hope in Islam, and see Subhanallah.